According to humanrights.gov.au, up to 11 in 100 Australians may have diverse sexual orientation, sex or gender identity. The 2016 Australian Census Bureau provided respondents the ability to identify as "other" for both sex and gender. The first time Australians could identify as something other than standard binary norms. There is a need in Australia for clinicians to service the transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, genderqueer, gender fluid, and gender expansive clients.
Individuals who identify as nonbinary may also feel their gender identity is not validated, as people sometimes inquire whether a certain gender category really exists or whether nonbinary people are just trying to be different. Society’s significant bias toward a binary understanding of gender can also cause feelings of distress and dysphoria and otherwise lead individuals to feel as if they are not recognized, accepted, or understood. - Good Therapy (2018)
A 2018 study indicates that young adults who identify as genderqueer or nonbinary faced unique challenges even at clinics specializing in gender-affirming healthcare. The participants’ experiences were categorized into four themes as follows: (1) providers’ inability to see beyond the transgender binary; (2) lack of cultural competence in providing GQ/NB care; (3) ‘‘Borrowing’’ the trans label; and (4) even transgender-specific services fall short.
Where do you fit in?
Option 1:
In order for an Australian citizen to apply for an amendment to their sex/gender on their Government papers, they are required a statement from a Registered Psychologist which certifies the gender of a person.
Option 2:
Consider becoming formally accredited to demonstrate LGBTI inclusive practice and service delivery by getting a Rainbow Tick.
Walk the walk
When working within this niche we recommend you consider all aspects of your practice. For example, your website should identify specifically the types of clients you're working with. In order to feel safe in your space, genderqueer clients will need to see that you can empathise and understand their situation.
Updating your intake information to include genderqueer specifics, for example, asking all clients what is their preferred pronoun.
References:
Nonbinary Gender (2018), Retrieved from https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/nonbinary-gender
Face the facts lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people statistics (2014), Retrieved from https://www.humanrights.gov.au/file/face-facts-lesbian-gay-bisexual-trans-and-intersex-people-statistics
Lykens, J., LeBlanc, A., Bockting, W., (2018) Healthcare Experiences Among Young Adults Who Identify as Genderqueer or Nonbinary. LGBT Health 5 (3) 192-193. doi: 10.1089/lgbt.2017.0215
Australian Governement Guidelines on the Recognition of Sex and Gender, (2015), Retrieved from https://www.ag.gov.au/Publications/Documents/AustralianGovernmentGuidelinesontheRecognitionofSexandGender/AustralianGovernmentGuidelinesontheRecognitionofSexandGender.PDF